Risk judgement, Risk taking behaviour and Road Traffic Accidents in Tanzania

284 Pages·2016·5.12 MB·English

by  Rita Hokseggen

Doctoral theses at NTNU, 2016:236
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i Deus Damian Komba
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Risk judgement, Risk taking
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K r
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o Accidents in Tanzania
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Geographical Analysis
ISBN 978-82-326-1810-1 (printed ver.)
ISBN 978-82-326-1811-8 (electronic ver.)
ISSN 1503-8181
Doctoral theses at NTNU, 2 NTNUNorwegian University ofScience and TechnologyThesis for the Degree ofPhilosophiae Doctoral Sciences and TechnologyManagementDepartment of Geography
016:23 of Soci
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ult
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Deus Damian Komba
Risk judgement, Risk taking
behaviour and Road Traffic
Accidents in Tanzania
Geographical Analysis
Thesis for the Degree of Philosophiae Doctor
Trondheim, August 2016
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology Management
Department of Geography
NTNU
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Thesis for the Degree of Philosophiae Doctor
Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology Management
Department of Geography
© Deus Damian Komba
ISBN 978-82-326-1810-1 (printed ver.)
ISBN 978-82-326-1811-8 (electronic ver.)
ISSN 1503-8181
Doctoral theses at NTNU, 2016:236
Printed by NTNU Grafisk senter
ABSTRACT
Urban road traffic and driving culture in Tanzania is partly characterised by low level of safety behaviour,
arrogant attitude, under-aged driving, and unlicensed drivers. Such drivers are reported to be more reckless,
non-cautious and inconsiderate to other road users. A serious problem experienced in urbanised areas is the
chaotic and jumbled manner of the motorcyclists who ride in a scattered form on every lane on the road.
Risk source from road traffic accidents is perceived to be very low and the degree of willingness to reduce
the magnitude of effect from road traffic accidents is also very low. The probabilities of experiencing
fatal road traffic accident is higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Mitigation measures for reducing
such risk taking behaviour are not readily available in the country.
The present study has investigated; 1) the underlying pattern and tendencies of risk perception, risk
attitudes, risk willingness and risk taking behaviour of Tanzanian public on road traffic by geographical
areas (i.e. urban, semi urban and rural), by gender division (i.e. males and females) and by relevant age
groups based on driving experience or likely risk taking behaviour. 2) The important factors contributing
to risk taking behaviour of Tanzanian public on road traffic when experiencing different levels of system
risk (i.e. urban, semi-urban and rural traffic), and 3) the extent such factors are attributed to contextual
conditions in each type of geographical area and to compositional condition.
Four theoretical approaches with relevance to geographical perspectives were used: 1) system approach
guided by a model for safe traffic system, 2) risk theory and cultural approach, 3) political ecology approach
and 4) modernization approach. The methodology of the study was based on triangulation approach. Data
collection methods involved a questionnaire survey, interviews, focus group discussion and observation. In
the analysis; 1) the reliability and the validity of the measure instrument in a survey data were examined by
a set of statistical techniques; this included exploratory factor analysis. 2) Both MANOVA and ANOVA,
along with descriptive statistics and post-hoc test were used to compare means of risk perception, risk
attitude, risk willingness and risk taking behaviour by geographical areas, gender and age group. 3) Step
wise linear regression analysis was used to select the best-fit model in explaining risk-taking behaviour of
Tanzanian public on traffic. 4) A four-step data analytic method by Baron and Kenny (1986) was used to
examine mediation effect underlying an observed relationship between religious belief and risk taking
behaviour. 5) Contextual as well as content analysis techniques were used to analyse the transcribed
interviews with lay people as well as experts and other key informants.
The results revealed that; People living in urban and semi-urban areas perceive lower risk of man-made
related dangers associated with road traffic accidents than those living in rural areas. The attitude towards
rule violation is higher in rural areas than in urban and semi-urban areas. The tendency of over speeding
and risk driving is higher in rural areas and it indicates to be slightly lower in semi-urban and urban areas.
36.8% of the variance in risk taking behaviour associated with road traffic accidents is explained by the
contribution of 1) risk attitude, 2) religious belief, 3) risk willingness and 4) geographical area. The factor
religious belief had a greater effect on risk taking behaviour compared to other explanatory factors. Males
were more visible on traffic related risk than females. In general, the problem of road accident risk and
hazardous behaviour implicates both compositional and contextual features embedded in the country.
A number of countermeasures targeting road user behaviour are recommended. The overall conclusion is
that, the geographical context of urban-rural difference in Tanzania plays a significant role in analysing
road user behaviour. Road users in Tanzania perform or reproduce behaviours that are themselves a product
of the relationship between their local environment and traffic related technology in traffic system that
surrounds them. Geographical spaces of culturally related beliefs are significant predictors of driving
behaviour in Tanzania. The likelihood for an individual or a group to engage in risky or safety behaviour
on road traffic is largely predicted by belief related factors in Tanzania.
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Acknowledgements
Foremost, I would like to express my deepest thanks to my supervisor, Associate Professor Stig H
Jørgensen. You have been my guiding beacon and nurtured my ideas throughout my Masters
project to this PhD level. Your patience, encouragement, and immense knowledge were key
motivations throughout my PhD. I am truly thankful for your steadfast integrity and selfless
dedication to both my personal and academic development. I cannot think of a better supervisor to
have.
I would like to thank Professor Torbjorn Rundmo for offering thorough and excellent feedback on
an earlier version of this thesis. In addition, a thank you to Professor Michael Jones for your
feedback on Chapter two of this thesis. Thanks to Kyrre Svarva for your SPSS expertise during
data analysis.
I would like to express my deepest thanks to the Assessment Committee “Professor. Winnie V.
Mitullah, Dr. Meleckidzedeck Khayes and Prof. Jan Ketil Rød” for their constructive suggestions,
time and efforts spent on reviewing my Doctoral thesis.
I extend my appreciation to all my colleagues at the Department of Geography, NTNU. Your
support and academic discussions have exposed me to a wider theoretical foundation and to diverse
research methods in our field, this forum experienced at the department enabled me to distil overall
knowledge embedded in geography and effectively use in my project. Thanks to the head of the
department Professor Karoline Daugstad. Thanks for all forms of support I have been provided, a
conducive academic and learning environment that I have enjoyed throughout my stay in the
department.
A special mention for Bodil Vuttudal Wold. Bodil you have been so supportive, always of a great
help, very willing to listen and giving advice. Words cannot express how grateful I am but your
open-door policy and invaluable assistance is really appreciated and recognised.
I gratefully acknowledge the support I got from Stuart John King (Housing department, NTNU).
Stuart, you have been so kind. I deeply recognise your support, accommodation and other services
within your department you have been offering to me and my family almost all the time of my
PhD program. Thank you.
I would like to thank IMA-World for the financial support. Stig H Jørgensen and Torbjorn Rundmo
for their financial support during data collection in Tanzania and for including me in their project
“Cross Cultural Perspectives on Traffic Safety”
It has been a long journey working with my PhD but I would not have been this far without the
support of several people. I extend my appreciation to my friends who have supported me in
various ways and provided the much needed encouragement: Asbjørn Barlup and your wife
Jessica, Claus Evensen and your wife Monica, Ola Wanvik, Gervas Lufingo and your wife Grace,
Prof, Flowin Paul Nyoni and your wife Jacquline, Sarah Khasalamwa and your husband Robert
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Mwandha, Medad Tweheyo and your wife Addah, Charlotte Jjunju and your husband Emmanuel,
Francis Chagula and your wife Mary, Mjomba Swai and Shangazi Asteria wa Mlandizi, My
mother Theodosia Komba, My father in law Pius Kyauke, My mother in Law Paulina Kyauke, My
sister Grace Komba, my brother in law Amor Kayombo, Just a few to mention.
My very special thanks to my wife Lucy Kyauke. I know the sacrifices you have made are very
big to support my career. You have supported me with love, encouragement and your patience is
really appreciated and recognised. Thanks to my son Sweetbert Deus Komba, and my daughters
Lynn-Vanessa Deus Komba and Liv-Theresa Deus Komba, It has been always a good moment at
home, you have given me the motivation and inspiration to push the limit. I extend my special
thanks to my son Innocent Komba and my daughter Immaculate Komba.

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Dedication
The encouragement and the support from my family has always been with me throughout my
studies. This thesis is dedicated to beloved wife Lucy Pius Kyauke and my lovely children
Sweetbert, Lynn-Vanessa and Liv-Theresa. I can say, Lucy is indeed, typical of the strong lady
behind her partner’s success

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Table of Contents
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................... i
Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... ii
Dedication ...................................................................................................................................... iv
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ v
List of figure .................................................................................................................................. ix
List of tables ................................................................................................................................... ix
Vocabulary and acronyms.............................................................................................................. xi
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................. 1
Introduction aims and background of the problem ......................................................................... 1
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the problem ................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Statement of the problem ...................................................................................................... 6
1.2.1 Main objective of the study .......................................................................................... 11
1.2.2 Specific objectives of the study .................................................................................... 11
1.2.3 Research questions ....................................................................................................... 11
1.3 Significance of the study ..................................................................................................... 12
1.4 Embodied physical and social cultural characteristics of the traffic system in Tanzania ... 13
1.4.1 Road network ................................................................................................................ 13
1.4.2 Legal measures in Tanzania ......................................................................................... 14
1.4.3 Institutional set-up of the leading agency. .................................................................... 16
1.4.4 Road Safety policies in Tanzania ................................................................................. 18
1.4.5 Government initiatives towards road safety in Tanzania ............................................. 21
1.5 Trend of road traffic accidents, fatalities and injuries in Tanzania. .................................... 23
1.6 Trend of road traffic accidents by potential factors in Tanzania ......................................... 26
1.7 Structure of the study .......................................................................................................... 27
1.8 Used terminology to address dysfunction of road traffic system ........................................ 28
CHAPTER TWO .......................................................................................................................... 30
Geographical perspective of the study .......................................................................................... 30
2.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 30
2.1 Spatial relationship approach .............................................................................................. 30
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2.2 Underlying philosophical methodology .............................................................................. 33
2.2.1 Naturalism and road traffic accidents ........................................................................... 35
2.2.2 Realism and road traffic accidents ................................................................................ 37
2.2.3 Marxism and road traffic accidents .............................................................................. 40
2.2.4 Behaviourism and road traffic accidents ...................................................................... 41
2.3 Risk approach in Human Geography .................................................................................. 42
2.4 Verifying road user behaviour in Human Geography. ........................................................ 45
2.5 Verifying spaces of urban-rural context .............................................................................. 46
2.6 Population composition in a place ...................................................................................... 48
2.7 Spaces of religion and human practice (Historical hermeneutic) ....................................... 48
2.8 Geography and epistemology of System approach to the study of traffic accidents. ......... 50
CHAPTER THREE ...................................................................................................................... 53
Theoretical perspectives of the study ............................................................................................ 53
3.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 53
3.1 An overview trend of road safety research and practice ..................................................... 54
3.2 System approach ................................................................................................................. 61
3.2.1 The application of system approach in Tanzania (context of low-income country) .... 66
3.3 Risk theory and Cultural approach ...................................................................................... 67
3.3.1 An overview practice of risk theory in studying road traffic accidents. ....................... 67
3.3.2 Risk theory in geographical perspectives. .................................................................... 69
3.3.3 Application of risk theory in this study. ....................................................................... 73
3.3.4 Conceptualisation of factors ......................................................................................... 75
3.4 Political ecology approach .................................................................................................. 84
3.5 Modernisation approach ...................................................................................................... 86
3.6 The strength of applied theories in this study ..................................................................... 89
CHAPTER FOUR ......................................................................................................................... 91
Research Design and Methods ...................................................................................................... 91
4.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 91
4.1 Quantitative Data................................................................................................................. 94
4.1.1 A Questionnaire ............................................................................................................ 94
4.1.2 Sample size and sampling procedure ............................................................................ 99
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4.1.3 Characteristics of the sample ...................................................................................... 103
4.1.4 Method related to quantitative data analysis .............................................................. 105
4.1.5 Method related to specific objective number one ....................................................... 106
4.1.6 Methods related to specific objective number two ..................................................... 108
4.2 Qualitative Data................................................................................................................. 110
4.2.1 Research assistant ....................................................................................................... 111
4.2.2 Sampling procedure .................................................................................................... 111
4.2.3 Data collection ............................................................................................................ 117
4.2.4 Methods related to qualitative data analysis ............................................................... 126
4.3 Validity and reliability of the quantitative data ................................................................. 127
4.3 Validity and reliability of the qualitative data. .................................................................. 129
4.4 Methodological issues ....................................................................................................... 131
4.5 Theoretical issues .............................................................................................................. 134
4.6 Field experience and limitations of the study.................................................................... 135
4.7 Ethical issues ..................................................................................................................... 136
CHAPTER FIVE ........................................................................................................................ 138
The spatial pattern and tendencies of risk perception, risk attitude, risk willingness and risk
taking behaviour.......................................................................................................................... 138
5.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 138
5.1 Data ................................................................................................................................... 139
5.2 MANOVA. ........................................................................................................................ 145
5.3 Distribution of sample composition (gender and age group) by geographical areas ........ 152
5.4 ANOVA (by geographical area and gender) ..................................................................... 153
5.5 ANOVA (by geographical area and age group) ................................................................ 157
5.6 ANOVA (by geographical area, gender and age group) ................................................... 164
5.7 Summary ........................................................................................................................... 167
CHAPTER SIX ....................................................................................................................... 172
Factors influencing risk taking behaviour................................................................................... 172
6.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 172
6.1 Modelling factors influencing risk taking behaviour ........................................................ 172
6.3 Explanatory factors by geographical areas........................................................................ 177
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